Curly rosemary offers a distinct and charming addition to any garden or indoor space. Its unique, tightly curled foliage sets it apart from traditional rosemary, making it popular for its ornamental appeal and aromatic benefits.
Understanding Curly Rosemary’s Unique Traits
Curly rosemary, a cultivar of Rosmarinus officinalis (now Salvia rosmarinus), stands out with its compact, dense growth and characteristic curled leaves. Unlike common rosemary’s straight foliage, its leaves have a distinct, crinkled appearance. This creates a fuller, bushier plant with a mounded or compact shape.
Cultivating and Caring for Curly Rosemary
Curly rosemary thrives with specific environmental conditions and consistent care.
Light Needs
Curly rosemary requires abundant sunlight to flourish. It performs optimally in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and a weakened plant, diminishing its vitality. Indoors, a south-facing window is often suitable, but supplemental LED grow lights may be necessary for adequate light.
Soil and Watering
Well-draining soil is essential for curly rosemary, as it is prone to root rot in soggy conditions. A sandy or loamy soil mixture is ideal, allowing water to drain quickly. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. For established plants, deep watering every one to two weeks is sufficient, adjusting frequency based on weather and location. Indoor or potted plants may require more frequent watering, but checking the top inch or two of soil for dryness helps prevent overwatering.
Temperature and Humidity
Curly rosemary prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 80°F (13°C and 27°C), and tolerates heat well. It is sensitive to frost and cannot survive temperatures below 30°F (-1°C). In colder climates, grow curly rosemary in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.
Though drought-tolerant, rosemary benefits from moderate humidity, especially indoors where air can be dry. Maintaining indoor humidity between 40-50% is beneficial; placing a tray of water with pebbles near the plant increases local humidity. Avoid directly misting foliage, as it can promote fungal issues.
Fertilization
Curly rosemary does not require heavy fertilization. When needed, apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer once in early spring before new growth appears. Organic options like compost or well-rotted manure are beneficial and improve soil structure. Over-fertilization, especially with high nitrogen, can negatively impact the plant and its aromatic oils.
Pruning for Form
Pruning maintains the compact, curly form and encourages bushier growth. Regular tip-pinching when plants are young shapes them. For older plants, light pruning controls size and promotes denser foliage. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress.
Pests and Diseases
Rosemary is robust and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, high humidity and poor air circulation can lead to powdery mildew. Ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding overly wet soil helps prevent this issue. Common pests like aphids and spider mites may affect indoor plants, treatable with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot is a concern, caused by overwatering and poor drainage.
Propagating Curly Rosemary
Propagating curly rosemary from cuttings is straightforward. The best time to take cuttings is during late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy, non-flowering stems about 4 to 6 inches long, from soft, green tips.
Remove leaves from the bottom half of each cutting, exposing nodes for root formation. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder, though often successful without it. Cuttings can be placed in fresh water, changing it every few days to prevent rot, or directly planted into a well-draining medium like coarse sand or a sand, perlite, and potting soil mix. Roots typically develop within two to six weeks. Once established, transfer cuttings to individual pots or a garden location.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
Curly rosemary offers culinary versatility and ornamental value. Its aromatic, needle-like leaves, while curled, possess the strong, resinous flavor of traditional rosemary, suitable for various dishes. It enhances roasted meats, vegetables, and breads, and can infuse oils and vinegars.
Beyond the kitchen, its compact, dense growth makes it attractive for landscaping. It can be used in garden beds, containers, or as a low hedge, providing evergreen structure and fragrance. The plant’s unique form adds textural interest to mixed plantings and can be trained into topiary shapes, expanding its decorative applications.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Gardeners may encounter common issues, often related to environmental conditions. Yellowing leaves are a frequent problem, stemming from overwatering, poor soil drainage, or insufficient sunlight. Overwatering leads to root rot, causing leaves to yellow and become mushy, while underwatering results in dry, crispy, yellowing leaves. Ensuring the soil dries out between waterings and providing adequate drainage resolves these issues.
Slow growth or a stunted appearance indicates nutrient deficiencies or root-bound conditions, especially in potted plants. Applying a balanced fertilizer in spring or repotting into a larger container with fresh soil addresses these problems. If the plant appears leggy, it signals insufficient light, requiring a move to a sunnier location or supplemental lighting. Curly leaves, particularly indoors, can be a symptom of low humidity, mitigated by increasing moisture in the air.